Not Asking About Incentives and Tax Credits
When you’re considering going solar, be sure to ask about any incentives or tax credits that may be available to you. In many cases, there are programs offered by state and local governments that can help offset the cost of solar installation. There may also be federal tax credits available. By failing to ask about these programs, you could be missing out on significant savings.
Not Checking the Company’s Reputation
When you’re considering going solar, it’s important to do your research on the company you’re thinking of working with. A quick Google search can reveal a lot about a company’s reputation. Are they accredited by the Better Business Bureau? Do they have any unresolved complaints? What do former customers have to say about their experience?
It’s also a good idea to check out online review sites like Yelp and Angie’s List. Keep in mind, though, that not all reviews are created equal. Some people are more likely to post a review (positive or negative) than others. And, unfortunately, there are always a few bad apples out there who will try to post fake reviews. So take everything you read with a grain of salt and use your best judgment.
If you know someone who has gone solar recently, ask them about their experience with their installer. Solar is still a relatively new industry, so personal recommendations can be helpful in finding a reputable company to work with.
Not Reading the Fine Print
When you’re buying solar, it’s important to read the fine print. This includes the terms and conditions of the contract, as well as any warranties or guarantees that are offered.
Solar panels are a big investment, and you want to make sure that you understand all of the details before making a purchase. Otherwise, you could end up with a system that doesn’t perform as well as you expected, or worse, one that doesn’t work at all.
To avoid any surprises down the road, take the time to read through everything carefully before signing on the dotted line. If anything is unclear, be sure to ask questions so that you can be confident in your decision.
Failing to Get a Warranty
If you don’t get a warranty on your solar panels, you could be SOL (sorry, couldn’t resist). In all seriousness, though, not having a warranty is a huge mistake. Solar panels are a significant investment, and you want to be sure that your investment is protected. Without a warranty, you could be stuck paying for repairs or replacements out of pocket, which could set you back quite a bit of money.
Be sure to get a comprehensive warranty that covers the panels themselves as well as the labor to install them. You should also make sure that the warranty is backed by a reputable company. Doing your research ahead of time can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Conclusion
Solar is an investment worth making, but it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls before you make any decisions. By taking our advice and avoiding these 16 mistakes when buying solar, you can ensure that your purchase will be a wise one and that your system will provide clean energy for many years to come. Invest in solar today and start reaping its benefits!